LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences says it's received a five-year grant extension worth more than $5.5 million to study health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.

The grant extension from the National Institutes of Health was awarded to the Arkansas Center for Health Disparities. The center was established by the original NIH grant in 2007.

It aims to develop research to improve access to preventative programs and health care for racial and ethnic minorities.

The center focuses on chronic disease disparities in the state, including obesity, long-term disability, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. UAMS says Arkansas consistently ranks among the worst in the nation in health indicators and health disparities.